So, I think you'd agree with me those are lovely words, but very sad in their meaning, by the children of Ysgol Bro Gwydir, Llanrwst, who are calling on us to act so that not all is lost.

Now, for years since I became a Member in this place, I have done my best in championing the cause of reducing the flood risk in the Conwy valley. But I've seen other Members too, in their constituencies, really desperate when they've seen their communities under lots of water. I have locally held two public meetings, published four reports and secured positive change, such as emergency works at Y Berllan, Perthi and additional culverts under the Conwy valley railway line. However, those are only small measures that an elected politician can do. Our community lacks a clear plan, because Welsh Government simply refuses to facilitate independent inquiries into significant flooding events. And it is not just Aberconwy.

Five thousand seven hundred and forty-three people have signed a petition, urging the Welsh Government to initiate a full, independent, open and public inquiry into the 2020 flooding of homes and businesses across Rhondda Cynon Taf. I agree and believe that there should be a duty for the Welsh Government to facilitate such independent inquiries.

It is unjust, and it's actually not effective to only rely on section 19 flood investigation reports. Residents of Pentre in my constituency had to wait until July 2021 to see a report in relation to storm events that occurred in February 2020—17 months. Similarly, residents of Llanrwst had to wait eight months to see a section 19 flood report, and such statutory documents provide key recommendations. Delays in compilation and publication should be addressed by imposing statutory time limits, putting an end to the current situation that provides local authorities with unlimited time. Last week, Sophie Howe, our future generations commissioner stated:

'With flooding occurring more and more often, we need a plan to ensure the financial burden doesn’t fall on those least able to pay – and an agreed Wales-wide approach to ensuring public services are able to respond in the right way. 

'The Well-being of Future Generations Act says that by law, the way we get to net zero has to improve well-being as a whole, for everyone. 

'Public bodies and decision-makers must take action now to stop those affected by the devastating effects of climate change being disadvantaged for generations.'

I agree wholeheartedly with those sentiments, and I do call across the new Members in particular, but all Members in this Senedd, to work cross party on this issue.

An estimated 245,000 properties in Wales are at risk of flooding. According to Climate Central, communities around Wales are predicted to be below the annual flood level by the end of this decade. Queensferry, Flint, Prestatyn, Rhyl, Kinmel Bay, Rhos-on-Sea,  Llandudno, Llanfairfechan, Bangor, Beaumaris, Holyhead, Pwllheli, Porthmadog, Barmouth, Aberdyfi, Aberystwyth, Aberaeron, Fishguard, Pembroke, Llanelli, Swansea, Port Talbot, Cardiff, including this Senedd, Newport, and Chepstow are all at risk.

The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 places a duty on the Welsh Government to produce a national strategy on flood and coastal erosion, and on NRW to report to Welsh Ministers on progress implementing the strategy. According to the latest version, NRW is to manage flooding from main rivers, their reservoirs and the sea. So, ask yourselves: is it in the best interest of Wales for an organisation that has such diverse responsibilities, such as regulating industries, responding to 9,000 planning applications annually, and managing 7 per cent of Wales's land area, to also have such a major role on managing floods? I think not, and I reiterate my calls for a separate national flood agency. When you speak to NRW and senior management, they say themselves that, to be an effective flood agency, it would take at least another 70 employees, and that was two years ago. So, this would be a single body dedicated to tackling flooding incidents across Wales. I genuinely believe that NRW staff do try their best, but they are simply becoming overwhelmed.